SWEPCO officials visited Texarkana on Friday as part of a tour to inform customers of plans to use more wind power to generate electricity.
"We have 9% wind-generation capability in our portfolio, in assets held by outside sources," said Mark Robinson, SWEPCO external affairs manager.
"Our proposal is to purchase a set of wind facilities capable of powering 200,000 homes."
The facilities, under construction in Central Oklahoma, are expected to produce 810 megawatts of generating power.
Robinson said hearings will begin in February with an expectation of a decision from the Texas Public Utility Commission by July.
SWEPCO is seeking to diversify its power-generation capability and sees that goal as a primary driver in this move.
"In the next 30 years, our wind generational capability will go from 9 percent to 26 percent," Robinson said. "Wind is zero fuel costs. This project will not result in electricity bill increases."
"With these meetings, we have been letting the public know about the advantages of these plans," Marcotte said.
SWEPCO spokesperson Michelle Marcotte said, "Texarkana has been giving us great feedback, as well as other communities like Henderson, Marshall and others. They have also been giving us great advice on how to communicate this information to the public. They have been very helpful to us."
For more information, visit swepco.com/cleanenergy.